The ELC children spent Wednesday 5 September at Belair National Park. Enthusiasm for learning and engagement is always high on Bush Day. The children asked each other many questions, theories were explored and deep discussions were held about matters like evolution, decomposition, structures, the seasons and plant and animal life. We observed children having the courage to take risks to climb tall trees, navigate flowing water, lift heavy logs and rocks and much more. We are grateful for the support of our wonderful families who bring their children to the park. Many stay for the day, encouraging the explorations, cooking the BBQ and assisting in making the day a great success.

NAPLAN

We have recently been advised that NAPLAN results will be delivered to schools late this year. Parents of students who participated in NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5) will receive the results as soon as possible after they have arrived. At this stage, this is likely to be early in Term Four.

Staff Update

We congratulate Rachel Harrip and her husband Craig who recently announced that they are expecting the arrival of their third child early next year. Rachel will be on Maternity Leave for all of 2019 and we will be making decisions about who will be replacing her during the coming months.

We wish Rachel, Craig and their two daughters (Sophie and Amelia) God’s rich blessing as they prepare for the arrival of their new family member.

Rachelle Fairlie, our Community Carer, has recently tendered her resignation. Rachelle has been serving in this role for the past 6 years and we will miss her important contribution to the life of our community. Rachelle will finish work at our campus at the end of this term. We will begin the process of finding a replacement for Rachelle in the coming months. At the end of the term we will formally farewell Rachelle while also acknowledging and thanking her for her contribution.

2019 Enrolment Intentions

As we begin to plan classes for 2019, I invite you to speak with me if you foresee a change of plans for your family next year. Please contact Michelle Sheedy in the School Office to arrange a suitable time if you would like to discuss your intentions for next year.

Earlier this year parents, staff and students participated in a survey initiated by Lutheran Education Australia to collect feedback about all Lutheran schools across Australia. We have received the data from this survey and will ensure that it is appropriately analysed and duly considered in our future planning processes.

As a College we wish to thank all who participated in the survey. Your feedback about our practices and performance as a school is valued and appreciated.

After an extensive unit of work looking at authentic German texts in our German lessons this term, students in both Year 5 and Year 6 created their own plays based on the stories of “Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten” (German Town Musicians) and “Rotkaeppchen” (Little Red Riding Hood). Students working in small groups had a lot of fun putting their presentations together. Students across both year levels developed their ability to use more sophisticated spoken and written German through this unit of work and are to be commended also on their developing fluency particularly with more complicated words and structures in German.

In a great link to service learning, some students decided that they wanted to showcase their plays to an audience within the wider community. A total of 42 students across both year levels showcased their plays to residents at Fullarton Lutheran Homes on Thursday 6 September. Performing to such a large audience in German was an outstanding effort by all students and the residents enjoyed a highly entertaining afternoon with high quality presentations by all students. Special thanks to Mrs Schirmer, Mrs Brew-Bevan, Mrs Hart and Mrs Dandie for so kindly accompanying our excursion.

On Thursday, 30 August the St John’s Campus Music Showcase was held in the Concordia Chapel. It was a wonderful night of performances from students in Years 1 to 6. The Concert Band opened the evening, followed by performances from the Year 3/4 Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Year 5/6 Choir, Junior Strings, Senior Strings and the Combined Choir. Well done to all the students for playing and singing so beautifully in front of a large audience. A special thank you to all the ensemble directors for their hard work throughout the year.

As part of a special German Assembly at St John’s Campus on Monday, we were privileged to be treated to a performance by the “Bund der Bayern” Bavarian Dance Group and bellringers. Performers demonstrated their talents with the traditional “Schuhplattler” and performed several songs using the traditional German cowbells. Students were treated to a wide range of traditional German songs through this performance and it also taught students much about the rich tradition of German culture, national costume and songs. This was a unique opportunity our school community was privileged to have experienced.

Our Year 6 students celebrated their learning journey through the presentation of their Exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday. This year’s Exhibition fell under the Transdisciplinary Theme of ‘How We Express Ourselves’ with the students’ inquiries focussing on the central idea of ‘Our unique understanding of global issues can be expressed to inform our community and inspire action’. Students were involved in advocating for a global issue that they were personally connected to and passionate about through creative communication and art forms.

Parents and families of Year 6 students were presented with thought-provoking and emotion filled monologues, a range of creative and interactive art installations as well as engaging and interactive displays. With the support of mentors, guest presenters and experts, the students have been guided through their personal inquiries, collaborating to effectively communicate their message.

Through the Exhibition the Year 6 students demonstrated the attributes of the Learner Profile, along with their understanding of the five elements of the PYP (knowledge, skills, concepts, attitudes and action).

Many thanks to all involved; students, volunteers, parents, teachers and support staff.

Student Led Conferences for Reception to Year 5 students will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 3. These conferences not only give students the opportunity to share their learning, they also assist in developing and increasing students’ self-confidence and ability to be reflective learners.

Student Led Conferences will be held on the following dates:Reception to Year 2: Week 9 - Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 SeptemberYears 3 to 5: Week 10 - Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 September

These hour-long sessions will commence at 3.30pm and conclude at 6.30pm.

On Thursday, 30 August the courtyard was alive with excited students eager to buy a Father’s Day gift at the Market Stall. Some of the gifts included handmade spice rubs, bliss balls, printed T-shirts and socks, and some yummy afternoon snacks were also available for hungry tummies. Thanks to the hard work of the Year Level Coordinators and families of Reception, Year 2, 3 & 5.

As a SunSmart School, students and staff wear their hats when outdoors for lessons and playtimes from 1 September each year. Please help your child/ren to find their hats so that they don’t miss out on any outdoor learning experiences.

Friday, 31 August was a day of collaboration and conversation involving staff from both Campuses. The opportunity to gather together as a combined staff is integral to our work together as we strive to provide quality education for the students of Concordia College.

The focus of our sessions was to consider future directions for the College in terms of the changing nature of education. In this current climate where key skills and competencies are fast becoming the preferred capabilities for our students, we need to be constantly mindful of these as they enter an ever-changing workforce.

As a three programme IB school, we also spent time in a process of evaluation and reflection against the requirements of the IB programme. This allowed staff to share areas of strength and growth in relation to these standards and practices. All staff reflected on the benefits of gathering as a whole College and enjoyed the morning of connection and fellowship.

The management and staff of the College Canteen would like to thank all parents and students for their ongoing patronage. To assist us in coordinating the delivery of lunch orders to St John’s Campus, we would like to remind our online customers that orders should be placed by 10am to avoid disappointment.

On behalf of the Concordia community we would like to extend a huge thank you to the following sponsors and donors who contributed to the success of the St John’s Campus Quiz Night. Funds raised on the night will contribute to providing a new nature play area for our students to enjoy. The redevelopment of a section of ‘unused’ land along the front of the school will enhance our children’s outdoor spaces and ability to benefit from outdoor play.